News|Human RightsHungary charges Budapest mayor for allowing banned pride marchProsecutors seek fine against Mayor Gergely Karacsony ‘without a trial’.

Hungarian prosecutors have officially charged Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony for organizing a public gathering in the form of a pride march, despite a police ban. This event, held in the capital city, saw participation from hundreds of thousands of people.

The prosecutor's office announced the charges on Wednesday, indicating their pursuit of a fine against Mayor Karacsony. The district prosecutor's office has requested a summary judgment without a trial, although the specific fine amount remains undisclosed.

Since 2010, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has implemented measures that increase government control and restrict certain rights. His administration has promoted traditional family values while reducing LGBTQ rights. In 2025, the Fidesz party amended laws and the constitution to ban the annual pride march, a move that has faced criticism from both local and international bodies, including the European Union.

Mayor Karacsony could face up to one year in prison for organizing the event. Participants of the pride march might be fined up to 500 euros (approximately $600), although police announced in July that they would not proceed with actions against those who attended.

The June march, estimated by organizers to have included up to 200,000 participants, marked the 30th annual Budapest Pride. The procession started at Budapest City Hall, traversing the city center and crossing the Erzsebet Bridge over the Danube River. Attendees displayed rainbow flags and signs in opposition to Orban's policies.

A woman lights a cigarette placed in a placard depicting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on March 25, 2025, in Budapest during a demonstration after the Hungarian Parliament passed a law that banned the annual pride march [Marton Monus/Reuters]

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.